The Internet search engine Lycos recently announced The Lycos 50, which is the eagerly anticipated annual list of the top 50 search terms for the year 2005. The Lycos 50 is a weekly list of the most popular people, places and things Lycos users search for every day. The Lycos 50 2005 year-end list is based on Lycos user searches from January 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005.

"Paris Hilton generated more searches than any other search term this year, as she consistently find ways to stay top of mind with web users," said Dean Tsouvalas, writer of The Lycos 50. "People continue to search for more than just the infamous Paris Hilton sex tape. Whenever Paris makes headlines offline, search activity skyrockets for her online."

The Simpsons also dethroned American Idol this year, taking over as the most- searched television show of 2005. Search interest in American Idol dropped 63 percent compared to this time last year. Former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson saw the biggest jump in search interest over the past year, although shy of making the top 10 women list.

Other reality TV related top searches include a Top Ten Women’s list featuring Paris Hilton at #1, Britney Spears at #3, Brooke Burke at #5, and Tara Reid at #6; a Top Ten Men’s list featuring Clay Aiken at #5 and Andy Milonakis at #6; and a Top Ten Television Show’s list featuring American Idol at #3, Big Brother at #5, and Survivor at #9.

For a complete list of The Lycos 50 top 50 search terms of 2005, and for in-depth commentary of The Lycos 50 2005 Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/.